FreeMD® Aortic Rupture Definition

Aortic Rupture

Definition

Aortic Rupture Definition

Common names:

Aortic Rupture
Ruptured Aorta

A person with an aortic rupture has a life-threatening injury to the aorta.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. Aortic rupture is usually caused by a severe injury to the chest, such as a high-speed automobile accident.

Continue to Aortic Rupture Incidence

View more Aortic arch and thoracic aorta topics

Related Conditions

Chest injury
Dissecting thoracic aneurysm
Hemothorax
Myocardial contusion
Pulmonary contusion
Shock

Rapid Pulse Checkup

Chest Injury Checkup

Breathing difficulty
Chest pain
Fainting

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Last Updated: Dec 11, 2008 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Aortic Rupture References:

Aihara R, Millham FH, Blansfield J, Hirsch EF. Emergency room thoracotomy for penetrating chest injury: effect of an institutional protocol. J Trauma. 2001 Jun;50(6):1027-30.
Ferguson M, Luchette FA. Management of blunt chest injury. Respir Care Clin N Am. 1996 Sep;2(3):449-66.
Nagy KK, Krosner SM, Roberts RR, Joseph KT, Smith RF, Barrett J. Determining which patients require evaluation for blunt cardiac injury following blunt chest trauma. World J Surg. 2001 Jan;25(1):108-11.
Sartorelli KH, Vane DW. The diagnosis and management of children with blunt injury of the chest. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2004 May;13(2):98-105.
Wanek S, Mayberry JC. Blunt thoracic trauma: flail chest, pulmonary contusion, and blast injury. Crit Care Clin. 2004 Jan;20(1):71-81.